How To Complete Suggestion Form
This page describes the various data entry fields on the Make The Difference online form and provides instructions to make your information clear and understandable for those reviewing the form contents.Employee Name
It is important to use your name exactly as it appears in the University's employee database (e.g. the name on your payroll check).
Position/Working Title
Enter either your formal HRS title or your working title.
Department
Enter your department within the University.
Team Members
Sometimes a group of employees develop the suggestion together and decide to share in the award. If you are submitting the suggestion as part of a team effort, the names of all employee team members must be entered here. After the form is submitted for review, names may not be added or removed.
Work Phone/Extension
Enter either direct dial number or a general work contact number with an extension.
E-mail Address
Enter your University e-mail address. Please use a non-work e-mail address only when you don't have computer access as part of your job. If you do not have an email address, enter "none."
Focus Of Suggestion (My suggestion will...)
Choose the specific category or area of focus for your suggestion.
Eligibility Clarification
This section assists in determining eligibility. Please read and answer these questions carefully, making sure that you fully understand each question. Read the Eligibility Criteria page for additional information.
Subject Of Proposal
This is where you title your suggestion, such as "Improve Response Time By Adding More Phone Lines." Don't spend too much time on this, as your suggestion will be evaluated on its merits as you lay them out in the following sections, not on its catchy title.
Current Method
Here is the first of three key areas. Describe the method, process, practice, etc. as it is currently being performed and why it is performed that way, to the best of your understanding. Check your facts to make sure you are accurate. Try to keep it just to a couple of paragraphs and try to be as clear as possible. It's your job to help the evaluator(s) grasp the current method, without confusing them with technical jargon or difficult to understand concepts. Don't provide any "commentary" here on why the old system should be changed -- that comes later. Just do the best you can knowing that if the evaluator needs further clarification on this (or any) area of the form, you will be contacted.
Proposed Method
Describe the method, process, practice as you propose it being performed in a paragraph or two, highlighting the key components of the method or process you're suggesting. Be specific, detailing exactly how the change could be accomplished, what steps must be taken, what departments or resources must be involved, etc. Provide a basic cost analysis to show that your solution is practical and affordable. Again, try and stick to the facts, saving your "sales job" on the new method for the next section.
Advantages Of The Proposed Method
Here is where you explain to the evaluator why, based on the solid and detailed information you have obtained and studied, the new method is better than the old one. Is it easier? Does it save money? Does it satisfy more customers? Provide as much factual data for those quantifiable suggestions and do your best job of communicating the benefits as you see them for the less tangible ones. Don't assume that the benefits of the new method will be obvious. Take the time to clearly and succinctly explain why the University should make the change.
Do You Have Additional Materials For The Review?
Simply indicate "yes" or "no" at this point. If you have additional materials you think would help with the review, arrangements will be made to obtain copies by e-mail or an alternative method prior to meeting with the evaluator.
List Department(s) Who Could Help Evaluate Your suggestion
Suggestions are evaluated by the departments that would logically implement them. For example, a suggestion concerning landscaping would be evaluated by PPD Grounds; your identification of the department helps speed up the evaluation process.
On occasion, a suggestion may be so technical or narrow in its impact that other "UK subject matter experts" may be asked to help in the review and assessment of the benefits (and possible drawbacks) of the suggestion. If you are aware of key personnel who may provide technical assistance, please include their names.
Please Read The Following
Please read this section carefully and make sure you understand it. There is no "fine print" and there's nothing "sneaky" about it. We just want to make sure that you understand the role and decision-making authority of the evaluator and Program Adminsitrator. If you have any questions about this aspect of the form, please contact the Program Administrator before submitting the form for review. Email the Program Administrator at Alison.Preston@uky.edu
Final Two Steps
By checking the box next to "I have read and agree with the above statements" and submitting the form using the "Submit" button, you agree to the conditions and program criteria as described on the form and elsewhere on the web site. If you click "Reset" you will delete all the information that you have entered.
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